Chassis No. BC35LDJ

Engine No. BC34D

The Bentley Continental nameplate is the embodiment of grand touring in high-speed opulence. In the 1950s, the experience of driving - or more likely being chauffeured in - a Bentley coupe worthy of carrying four across continents meant that the owner was a member of a rarified, select part of society, one the captains of industry, movie stars, and aristocratic families participated in.

This style of timeless coachwork, Park Ward design number 872, first graced the S1 Continental at the 1957 Paris Motor Show. Designed and constructed by Park Ward, the lightweight aluminum body was a fitting touch for a sporting Bentley. Of the 431 S1 Continental sedans and coupes produced from 1955 to 1959, Park Ward would manufacture bodies for 185 cars. This particular example is even more exclusive, with it being ordered on only 11 left-hand drive chassis per the Rolls-Royce Foundation. The design gives the car a wonderful sense of presence while remaining light and airy for the passengers due to the large windows framed in delicate pillars. There is a subtle American influence to the design thanks to the small tailfins incorporating the rear lights, a useful feature when maneuvering in tight quarters. All these styling touches culminated in a timelessly styled Bentley that combines old-world traditions with a forward-looking design that has aged gracefully. Technically, the S1 Continental was one of the last Bentley models fitted with the Rolls-Royce-designed inline 4.9-liter six-cylinder. A tried and true powerplant that famously produced 'sufficient' levels of power to allow for high-speed touring in silent comfort.

This particular S1 Continental, chassis no. BC35LDJ benefits from a known chain of long-term and prominent owners since new. The initial purchase order was placed by Luis Enrique Pérez Velutini, the son of Henrique Perez Dupuy, a prominent economist and banker who fueled Venezuela's economic revolution with the founding of the Banco Venezolano de Crédito and the Central Bank of Venezuela. Indeed, many great cars were imported to Venezuela during this period as it became one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is unknown why, but when the S1 reached Caracas, it would be Mr. Pérez Velutini's cousin Miguel H. Veluini who would take ownership of the new Bentley. It must be said that it was delivered to the right owner as it would remain in the care of his family until it was sold to Diego Bustillos Beiner, a prominent lawyer and fellow Venezuelan connoisseur, in 1996.

Previous research indicates that under this ownership, a multi-year restoration was undertaken to bring the S1 Continental to a beautiful level of finish. The bodywork was stripped to bare metal, the ideal surface for the new metallic sand paintwork. The original numbers-matching engine, equipped with the optional power steering, was refreshed and is still fitted to this motorcar today. The interior leather, reportedly sourced from Connolly just prior to them ceasing production in 2002, adds an additional layer of authentic detail to the restoration. The lush pile of the Wilton wool carpets provides a beautiful contrast to the glass-like finish of the burl wood dashboard, creating a superbly comfortable and luxurious.

Following the restoration, the car was brought to the US a decade ago by Diego Beiner's daughter, whereafter the current owner acquired it, becoming essentially just the third caretaker in 65 years. Quite possibly the only S1 Continental with the thin pillar Park Ward design number 872 coachwork to grace the roads of Venezuela, this 1958 Fixed Head Coupe stands apart not only for its remarkable design, rarity, and unique delivery location but due to its traceable, long-term history within one of Venezuela's most influential families. Today, as a result of its high-quality, body-off nut and bolt restoration and bespoke special coachwork, it is prime to provide its new owner the same unique blend of effortless power, sumptuous comforts, and sophisticated style that will propel its winged 'B' mascot across the Concours stage – or across the Continent.